Bert Berns - Play, Launch Show, Book & Documentary

[Roburt]

Ace have done a good job to help bring the work of Bert Berns back into the spotlight in recent times and it seems as though 2014 could just be the year when Bert finally receives the plaudits he has long deserved.

 

....... THE PLAY ..........

A musical play based on events in his life is due to commence 'off broadway' in New York in July (with previews from late June).

The play has it's own Facebook page that features lots of interesting stuff ....... https://www.facebook.com/pieceofmyheartmusical

INFO on the play .......... https://www.oandmco.com/blog/entry/piece-of-my-heart-to-open-in-new-yprk-this-summer

 

.... THE BOOK ...........

A book 'Here Comes The Night' by Joel Selvin will be available in the very near future (though this seems to concentrate on the seamier side of the music biz back then).   ... SEE ........ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Here-Comes-Night-Business-Rhythm/dp/1619023024/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

 

.... LAUNCH SHOW FOR THE BOOK .........

A launch show has been arranged for 22nd April at legendary New York club the Bitter End. This will be a musical night with both original artists and cast members performing songs that will feature in the show. Among those asked to sing at the launch show are Kenny Hamber ("Show Me Your Monkey"), Betty Harris plus others. 

 

A documentary about the life & music of Bert Berns is also in the works (this featuring contributions from the likes of Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Cissy Houston, etc).

Edited April 8, 2014 by Roburt

[Roburt]

A Time article about the documentary ..... this features a trailer for the proposed piece .... 

..... https://time.com/28468/paul-mccartney-video-bert-berns-songwriter/

[Roburt]

The song Kenny Hamber will be performing at the launch show for the play .... 

BTW, the song's lyrics were inspired by the most popular dance of the time ('the Monkey') and have no hidden meaning.  

Edited April 5, 2014 by Roburt

[JOE TORQUAY]

my friend did the discography for this book, about 40 pages worth at the back of the book,

bert burns was a busy man,

I've seen a first edition from the states and it's well worth buying,

joe.

[Roburt]

Bert certainly wrote some great songs. Here's one of my faves .....

Edited April 7, 2014 by Roburt

[Guest soash]

Freddie Scott is a fave of mine.

 

Looking forward to the Bert Berns book

[Roburt]

Kenny Hamber will be performing at the book launch party which is being staged at New York's famous Bitter End Club on 22nd April .....

Edited April 9, 2014 by Roburt

[Robbk]

That version of "Are You lonely For Me" by Freddie on Jay Boy, is NOT the 45 version on Shout that charted in USA.  It's a an alternate take I've never heard.  Was it on his Shout LP? - or is it just a US unreleased alternate take?

[Roburt]

The book launch party is being staged at New York's famous Bitter End Club next Tuesday (22nd April).

Lots of top acts played live at the club back in the 60's / 70's .....